Bahlil: RKAB Targets Unchanged, Only Measured Relaxation

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has assured that, to date, there have been no changes to coal production policies within the 2026 Work and Budget Plan (RKAB). Nevertheless, the government is opening opportunities for production adjustments through a scheme of measured relaxation, conducted carefully in line with the current rise in commodity prices. “I say, I say that first, there is no policy change at all. But we will follow developments by implementing measured relaxation,” Bahlil stated at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy on Friday (27/3/2026). According to Bahlil, this measured relaxation allows for an increase in production volume, with the main condition that commodity prices remain at a profitable level and the balance of supply and demand is maintained. “With the note that the price must be good and supply and demand balanced. And most importantly, all our domestic needs must be fulfilled,” Bahlil said. He explained that this policy will apply to both coal and nickel commodities. The government does not want excess production that would instead depress market prices. For example, if industrial needs are only 300 million tonnes, production should not significantly exceed that figure. Because if it does, prices will certainly plummet. “I don’t want our mining entrepreneur brothers to be valued at low prices. If the price is good, the state gets good royalties, the entrepreneurs also benefit, and the people working there can also get good impacts,” he said.